Today’s Reading, 2 Thessalonians 1-3
Focal Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote.”
Tradition can get a bad wrap in many institutions, especially churches. I completely understand why it does, because it can stifle growth and create lazy attitudes. However, tradition is also very important because it reminds every one of a standard that was successful. Most traditions stick around because they caused something special to happen. They also stick around because it reminds people of a simpler time in their lives. Personally, tradition means success. It means a plan or an event that produced results in tangible ways.
In today’s reading Paul reminds the church to stand firm and hold to the traditions they were taught. What were these traditions? It was that suffering was part of the Christian life. It also included the gospel, which means that Jesus is God in the flesh, died for sinners, was buried and rose again. Tradition also includes the expectation that believers reject the world and commit themselves completely to the Lord. These traditions were taught and were spoken. Paul wanted the people to stick to this and pass them along to every member in the local church and their families.
I love and despise tradition at the same time. I don’t like doing things because they have always been done that way, because I believe that causes stagnation. However, I also like doing things that serve a purpose. Traditions that are meaningful can be a good teacher. Traditions that achieve a goal and not just for nostalgia can lead people to a place that makes much of the Lord.
My challenge to you today is to examine the traditions you and your church participate in during the year. Now, I am not advocating to blow everything up overnight. That would be unwise and foolish. What I am recommending is that each tradition be discussed and evaluated. Maybe the tradition needs to be tweaked to make it more meaningful. Maybe the tradition is happening to appease certain people.
Traditions are good when they advance the mission. They are also beneficial when the organization as a whole has bought in to that tradition. So what traditions in your life and ministry work? Make sure these traditions advance the kingdom and not your personal agenda.
The greatest tradition to continue is the explanation and advancement of the gospel. Is that a tradition that you keep in your life?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Timothy 1-6
